Jaap Stam explains what Erik ten Hag must do for Manchester United's forgotten midfielder

Donny van de Beek just needs 'confidence' to return to his best form for Manchester United.

That's according to club hero Jaap Stam, who believes his fellow countryman, Van de Beek, has failed to make an impact at Old Trafford because his confidence has been shattered. Van de Beek's dream move to United has become a nightmare.

Van de Beek had the world at his feet before moving from Ajax to United in 2020. The Dutchman was one of Europe's most exciting midfield prospects, but his time at United has been underwhelming and he's failed to establish himself in the first team.

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Van de Beek struggled for game time at United again this season and he was sent out on loan to Everton in January. Van de Beek excelled under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and the new United boss is expected to involve his former player in his immediate plans.

Stam has delivered his verdict on Van de Beek's spell in Manchester, claiming the 25-year-old just needs some confidence.

“There is a talent and everybody has seen that as well,” Stam told PA. “We all know that.

"The only thing is that a talent needs to get confidence. That’s for everybody.

“Every player needs to have confidence otherwise it’s difficult to perform, but that’s also for Donny.

“The other thing is that, yeah, you could put Donny in there and then thinking ‘OK, he’s going to produce’, but he also needs to have players around him who will make life easier for him as well to produce.”

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